Rooney concedes United have not performed well enough under David Moyes this campaign and he hopes they can end the season well so that they can use it to build on for next term.

"As a group of players we have to take responsibility for our league position," Rooney conceded

"We know we're better than that and we haven't performed as well as we can do.

"We know that and it hurts. Now it's important we finish the season strongly and take some momentum into next year, but more importantly get into fourth spot and do well in the Champions League."

One of the reasons for United's struggles in the Premier League this season is because Moyes has deprived of his first-choice strike partnership of Rooney and Robin van Persie for much of the year.

During their time at Old Trafford, United have only lost two of the 36 games Rooney and van Persie have started together and Rooney admits it has been a frustrating period that he has not been able to link up more often with the Dutchman due to injuries.

"Robin is a fantastic player," Rooney added.

"He is one of the best goal scorers in world football.

"We've got a good record when we've played together but unfortunately we have had injuries at similar times but hopefully we can stay fit and help us win games.

"When we're fit, we'll score goals, but we've also got other players who can come in and score goals too."